Document Type : Short Communication
Authors
1
Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
2
Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. and Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of
3
Department of Microbiology, College of Science, Agriculture and Modern Technology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
4
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
5
Department of Parasitology, TaMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
10.22092/ari.2025.369914.3718
Abstract
Fleas are considered among the most important arthropods in the fields of veterinary and medical sciences, acting as ectoparasites on various animal species. In certain cases, they also play a role as vectors in the transmission of parasitic zoonotic diseases between animals and humans. These characteristics have made fleas a major concern in global public health and animal health. Sheep, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are regarded as one of the most important livestock species, playing a significant role in food security and the livelihoods of rural households. Therefore, epidemiological evaluations aimed at identifying factors that adversely affect livestock productivity are of great importance. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of infestation with Ctenocephalides canis (dog flea) and Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) in sheep populations. A cross-sectional survey was conducted across 19 distinct sheep flocks in Robat Karim County, Tehran Province, Iran. Ectoparasites were collected from 549 sheep (297 male; 252 female). Specimens were transferred to the parasitology laboratory for morphological identification using established diagnostic keys following standard mounting procedures. Overall flea infestation prevalence was 30.6% (168/549 sheep). Among infested animals, C. canis and C. felis accounted for 77.93% and 22.07% of identified specimens, respectively. Significant geographical variation was observed, with Hesar Mehtar exhibiting the highest infestation rate (63.03%) among surveyed localities. Given fleas' capacity to transmit pathogenic agents and induce anemia in hosts, studies characterizing species-specific prevalence, diversity, and spatiotemporal distribution within defined geographical regions are essential. Such data provide critical foundations for evidence-based interventions, enabling veterinary and public health authorities to implement targeted control strategies and mitigate zoonotic disease risks.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)